In a major extension of its reach, Internode has launched its first "Naked ADSL2+" service at 350 exchanges nationally, delivering high speed ADSL2+ broadband over a dial tone-free phone line.

Through a network agreement with Optus Wholesale, Internode will offer Naked ADSL2+ from $59.95 a month including a NodePhone1* telephone service. Since customers can save money by no longer paying for a third party phone line rental fee (typically $30 per month), this prices the Naked ADSL2+ service at a nett cost of as little as $29.95 per month - or less, if low cost call charges are included.

After a four-month trial, Internode has decided to offer its Naked ADSL2+ service for new connections initially, with a $149 setup cost. A service to convert existing ‘voice lines' to Naked ADSL2+ mode is slated for release next quarter.

Internode product manager Jim Kellett said Naked ADLS2+ was the next stage of the broadband revolution. "Internode's Naked ADSL2+ service gives customers access to high-speed broadband and a low-cost phone service, without a high monthly price tag," he said.

"We have decided to install brand new services initially because this is often a much quicker and cleaner process than converting an existing line. Once the new service is installed, customers can either cut off their old service or keep it to support ‘dial-tone services' like faxes or monitored security systems.

"However, customers will be able to convert an existing line to Naked ADSL2+ for the same setup/conversion fee of $149 once that option is released."

Today's announcement is just the start of Internode's Naked ADSL2+ program. During this year, Internode plans to release further variations of its Naked ADSL2+ service, with features such as:

• Annex M (high-speed upstream)
• Annex L (long-range services) and;
• Support for number porting (allowing customers to transfer their existing telephone number).

Internode's Naked ADSL2+ service is available from March 12 at 350 telephone exchanges throughout Australia, which substantially increases Internode's current footprint of about 100 ADSL2+ equipped telephone exchanges. Full details of service availability and plan costs are published on the Internode website at www.internode.on.net/naked.

The entry-level Naked ADSL2+ plan costs $59.95 for an ADSL2+ service with a 5 Gigabyte monthly download limit and the NodePhone1 service, which provides untimed 18-cent national calls. The new service, with no third-party line rental charges, offers a saving of $20 or more each month compared to paying for a separate voice line and broadband service today. This means customers can save money and have the convenience of only one monthly bill to pay.

Naked ADSL2+ services operate on a copper line that contains no dial tone. This means that the line does not support certain functions including:

• Fax machines
• Monitored security alarms
• Phone calls during a power failure.

Mr. Kellett said Naked ADSL2+ services were not intended as a ‘like for like' replacement of a traditional telephone service. "This first generation service will appeal to early adopters - those already using mobiles and IP telephony for their voice needs," he said. "Internode intends to launch additional innovative services during the course of this year, so this area will mature very quickly."

* Details about NodePhone are available at http://www.internode.on.net/residential/nodephone/pricing/

Internode is a first tier IP carrier committed to using broadband technology to redefine the national telecommunications environment. The Australian-owned company is a trailblazer that delivers broadband services to individuals and businesses throughout Australia.

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